Latest news with #RathYatrafestival
Mint
10 hours ago
- Mint
Rath Yatra 2025: Over 500 devotees injured while pulling the Taladhwaja Chariot in Odisha's Puri
Rath Yatra 2025: Over 500 devotees were reportedly injured during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Odisha's Puri, on Friday, June 27, after massive crowds surged forward to pull the chariot of Lord Balabhadra. According to a report by News 18, the injuries occurred during the ceremonial pulling of the Taladhwaja Chariot. Devotees rushed to grab the chariot's ropes leading to stampede-like situation, resulting in injuries to hundreds. At least eight are reported to be in critical condition, while several have been hospitalised. (This is a developing story. Keep checking for more updates)
News18
10 hours ago
- News18
Over 500 Devotees Injured, Several Critical After Overcrowding In Puri Rath Yatra
Last Updated: The incident occurred during the ceremonial pulling of the Taladhwaja chariot, one of the three grand chariots drawn as part of the centuries-old tradition. More than 550 devotees were injured during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Odisha's Puri, after massive crowds surged forward to pull the chariot of Lord Balabhadra. The incident occurred during the ceremonial pulling of the Taladhwaja chariot, one of the three grand chariots drawn as part of the centuries-old tradition. The festival, which draws lakhs of devotees to the coastal pilgrim town, marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 2.5 kilometers away. The deities reside at the Gundicha Temple for a week before returning in a similar procession. As eager devotees rushed to grab the sacred ropes of the Taladhwaja chariot, overcrowding led to a chaotic stampede-like situation, resulting in injuries to hundreds. While most suffered minor injuries, several were hospitalized and at least eight are reported to be in critical condition. To manage the immense crowd and ensure security, nearly 10,000 personnel were deployed across the city, including eight companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
